There are a lot of places nicknamed “Little Kyoto” throughout Japan. They are so called because they convey the atmosphere of Kyoto. Townscape of these towns is like you were lost to Edo period to see the samurai. You can still experience how it feels like to live in samurai communities and dress like them. Want to know how? We are going to introduce you to 6 “Little Kyoto” town in Kyushu!
1. Kitsuki, Oita
This small town located in Kunisaki Peninsula has a unique shape, like a sandwich. With each samurai district that is located in the north and south sides respectively, with the commercial district in the middle, this town is such an ancient beauty. This town also successfully retained the original atmosphere in a way that there are no signboards or telephone poles lining on the side of the roads. Walking leisurely on a street full of history while talking to amiable locals is the perfect way to spend your time in Japan.
This town also offers various attractions including the Kitsuki Castle. Better yet, you can try all of them for only \800! If you are also interested in renting a kimono, for only \2400 you can get various photos in this samurai district!
2. Chiran, Kagoshima
This samurai district town consists of 7 gardens, each of them being a former samurai residence during their time. Located in the middle of Satsuma Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture, gardens and buildings inside this district have been kept for at least 250 years. Similar to Kitsuki, this place also does not have any telephone poles and cars inside to display the ‘ancient atmosphere’.
Even though the gardens look small, these traditional gardens are calming and thick with zen nuance. For only \500, you can visit all seven gardens (you cannot go inside the building).
3. Hita, Oita
Hita town is a former castle town, and Mameda-machi in the northern part of Hita developed in the early Edo Period as the merchant district. The city of Hita is divided in the same manner as Kyoto, two streets from north to south and five streets from east to west. These streets are lined with traditional houses that are now being used as cafes and museums. Traditional Miso, Shoyu, Sake are sold here as well.
4. Obi, Miyazaki
The mossy stone walls, the wide stones steps of the front castle gate, moat remains and samurai residences will take you back to ancient times. Matsuo-no-maru and the front castle gate have been using the precious wood Obi cedar. The area around Obi Castle is a designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
5. Akizuki, Fukuoka
As part of the dying will of feudal lord Kuroda Nagamasa, the Akizuki Castle was built in 1623, becoming the official residence of the succeeding feudal lords of Akizuki. The castle grounds itself is small and military camp-like. The Kuromon Gate which used to be the castle’s Otemon or front gate is now positioned as the entrance to Suiyo Shrine. The rear gate, Nagayamon, is the remaining structure in the ruins which can be found in its original position.
6. Okawachiyama, Saga
After the government of the Saga Domain set up kilns that produce only gifts for the government here in the Edo Period, pottery makers here continued providing potteries to the Tokugawa Shogunate and the government officials until the end of the Edo Period. The area is scattered with old brick chimneys and 30 kilns, and you can feel the history and tradition of about 350 years alive here. Even though, Okawachiyama was not a high samurai district but this peaceful town lined with chimneys and pottery studios that are built with bricks, giving a historic and traditional atmosphere dating back.
After seeing these places what are you waiting for? Get your kimono on and take lots of pictures in these beautiful little Kyoto towns!
